Measuring outcomes in adult brachial plexus reconstruction.
The focus of this article is on evaluating the various outcome measures of surgical interventions for adult brachial plexus injuries. From a surgeon's perspective, the goals of surgery have largely focused on the return of motor function and restoration of protective sensation. From a patient's perspective, alleviation of pain, cosmesis, return to work, and emotional state are also important. The ideal outcome measure should be valid, reliable, responsive, unbiased, appropriate, and easy. The author outlines pitfalls and benefits of current outcome measures and offers thoughts on possible future measures.
Bengtson
Keith A
KA
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Spinner
Robert J
RJ
Bishop
Allen T
AT
Kaufman
Kenton R
KR
Coleman-Wood
Krista
K
Kircher
Michelle F
MF
Shin
Alexander Y
AY
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004576:Electromyography; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement; D053580:Muscle Strength; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011643:Publishing; D012677:Sensation